SR1736 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1736 LRB100 21931 ALS 39865 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Florence "Flaurie" Berman, who passed away on May 1, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Florence Berman grew up in a two-flat at Lawrence and Kimball in Albany Park; she was Florence Miska of the Miska Liquors family, operators of beverage stores and taverns; she graduated from Northwestern University and married her Von Steuben High School sweetheart and prom date, Maurie Berman, in 1947; and

WHEREAS, Florence Berman began teaching school in Chicago while her husband attended Northwestern University on the G.I. Bill to study accounting; he suggested that they earn additional income by opening a hot dog business from May to October, so they rented a 50-foot lot near the local swimming pool and built a small building; her husband designed the distinctive structure topped with 12-foot winking hot dog sculptures, and he named the business Superdawg after the Superman comics of the 1940s; the couple opened the drive-in on the Northwest side in May of 1948, and years later, they opened a second location in Wheeling in 2010; what was supposed to be a temporary business became a local landmark; and

WHEREAS, For nearly 70 years, Florence Berman worked alongside and supported her husband and best friend as they built a business and a family; she was the first Superdawg carhop, and she became a true mentor to many of the other carhops, who looked closely to her for advice, opinions, and help with their own lives; together, she and her husband were mindful of the importance of pleasing customers and working hard; she dined at Superdawg at least once a week and felt very lucky to have her close-knit, supportive family; today, the restaurant is run by the family's third generation; and

WHEREAS, Florence Berman was preceded in death by her parents, Abe and Edna Miska, and her husband, Maurie; and

WHEREAS, Florence Berman is survived by her daughter, Lisa Drucker; her sons, Myles and Scott Berman; her seven grandchildren; her great-grandchild; and her many nieces, nephews, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Florence "Flaurie" Berman and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Florence Berman as an expression of our deepest sympathy.